Seminar discusses education system

Tolerant. Energetic. Funny. Graceful. Altruistic. Flexible.

America needs these qualities in its teachers and its leaders, said Anne Riley, president of The Alumni Association, University Board of Trustees member and local teacher.

Riley led a seminar yesterday evening in the Grandfather Clock Lounge of Atherton Hall about public education and learning in America. The talk was titled "Is American Education Being Dumbed Down?"

"I don't think that you're going to reach everyone every day, but I think you can try for the back row," said Riley who teaches advanced English at State College Area High School.

"Somewhere along the line we have to put our own education on our own backs and decide where we want to go," Riley told the group of 22, some of whom were education majors.

"How can I expect them (students) to read a heavy part of Henry V if they haven't eaten breakfast or haven't slept?" Riley asked.

An increase in less traditional families combined with more available technology leaves teachers competing even harder for pupils' attention, she said.

Eventually, however, students must decide for themselves where they will go, Riley said. No one can convince a person to learn, she said.

Competing with video games, information overload and laziness are problems teachers must face in the classroom, she said, but when Riley enters class, she is ready to entertain.

"My real pitch to avoid the dumbing down of education is the caring," Riley answered.

Brian Short (sophomore-East Asian studies) said he agreed. He stopped paying attention in high school when he stopped connecting with his teachers, Short said.

After speaking for about an hour, Riley answered other student questions concerning personal motivation, grade inflation and responsibility in education.

Teachers can no longer confine themselves to a seven-hour day in public schools, she said. Teachers have to start reaching their students through whatever means possible. She said she corresponds with students via E-mail and fax.

But Sarah Dunphy-Lelii (sophomore-psychology) said she disagreed with a lot of what she heard during Riley's speech.

Dunphy-Lelii said educators must focus more on world standards if America intends to continue to produce students who can compete internationally.

"I think what she's saying is every student in the classroom can perform at the same level and has the same interest if only that interest is struck," Dunphy-Lelii said. "I'm not sure that that's the truth."